ACC Stop & Go

ACC Stop & Go: Your traffic jam copilot

In the landscape of modern automotive technologies, ACC Stop & Go stands out as an essential Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Short for "Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function," this system represents the most advanced evolution of cruise control. It no longer merely maintains a constant speed, but intelligently adapts the vehicle's pace to surrounding traffic, all the way to a complete stop and restart. It is a true revolution for comfort and safety, particularly in the most grueling traffic conditions.

How does ACC Stop & Go work?

The operation of this system relies on the synergy of several cutting-edge technologies. The vehicle is equipped with sensors, typically a long-range radar and/or a multifunction camera positioned at the front (often in the grille or behind the windshield). These electronic "eyes" constantly scan the road.

• Detection and tracking: The system detects vehicles ahead and calculates their speed and the distance separating you from them in real time.
• Speed regulation: If the lane is clear, the car maintains the target speed set by the driver. If a slower vehicle is detected, the ACC automatically slows down to maintain a pre-set safe distance.
• The "Stop" function: This is where the magic happens. If the vehicle ahead comes to a halt, in a traffic jam for instance, the system manages the braking until your car comes to a complete standstill, without any intervention on your part.
• The "Go" function: When traffic resumes, the system restarts the vehicle. Depending on the manufacturer and the duration of the stop, the restart can be fully automatic or require a brief action from the driver (a light press on the accelerator or activating a button on the steering wheel) to confirm the resumption of driving.

This process is made possible by seamless communication between the sensors, the engine control unit, the automatic transmission, and the braking system.

Tangible daily benefits

The integration of ACC Stop & Go radically transforms the driving experience, especially for drivers facing daily commutes or long highway journeys.

• Comfort and stress reduction: Gone is the nervous tension associated with managing the accelerator and brake in traffic jams. The system takes over this repetitive and tiring task, allowing the driver to be more relaxed and serene.
• Enhanced safety: By maintaining a constant following distance and reacting faster than a human to sudden braking, ACC Stop & Go actively helps prevent rear-end collisions, one of the most common types of accidents in dense traffic.
• Smoothness and efficiency: The system promotes smoother driving, free from sharp accelerations or harsh braking. This anticipatory and optimized driving can result in a slight reduction in fuel consumption.

Note: In the context of electric vehicles, optimized regenerative braking also helps recover energy during these stop-and-go cycles.

Limitations and required vigilance

It is crucial to remember that ACC Stop & Go is a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. It is a driving aid, not an autopilot. The driver must remain attentive at all times, keep their hands on the steering wheel, and be ready to resume control at any moment. The system may have limitations in certain situations: severely degraded weather conditions (snow, heavy fog) that can obstruct the sensors, sharp bends, or when vehicles abruptly cut into your path. It under no circumstances replaces the driver's judgment and responsibility.

A technology on the path to democratization

Initially reserved for high-end vehicles, ACC Stop & Go—often marketed under names like "Traffic Jam Assist" or integrated into "Driving" or "Safety" packs—is rapidly becoming mainstream. It is now found on numerous lower-segment models, bearing witness to its importance for comfort and road safety. It represents a key milestone toward higher levels of autonomy and is redefining the standards of modern driving.